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TikTok Puts Hundreds of UK Moderation Jobs at Risk in AI-Led Restructure

The overhaul concentrates trust-and-safety work in European hubs under new Online Safety Act pressures.

Overview

  • Company confirms a global reorganisation that will reallocate UK trust-and-safety work to Lisbon, Dublin and other European offices, with some tasks moving to third-party providers.
  • TikTok says more than 85% of removals are now triggered by automated tools, which it argues also reduce moderators’ exposure to graphic material.
  • The Communication Workers Union warns the cuts could endanger users and alleges the announcement lands just before a union recognition vote, calling it potential union-busting.
  • The shift follows the Online Safety Act taking effect in July, exposing platforms to penalties of up to £18 million or 10% of global turnover for safety failures.
  • TikTok says displaced staff may receive priority for rehiring subject to criteria, as filings show Europe/UK revenue rose 38% to $6.3bn in 2024 with a narrower operating loss.